Congress leader and Member of Parliament Imran Masood was placed under house arrest by Uttar Pradesh Police in the early hours of Wednesday, preventing him from traveling to Bareilly to assess the situation following recent communal unrest linked to the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign.
Security forces were stationed outside Masood’s residence in Saharanpur late Tuesday night, with authorities citing precautionary measures in light of ongoing tensions in Bareilly, where clashes broke out after an unplanned protest outside a mosque.
Masood, speaking to news agency IANS, confirmed that he had planned to lead a delegation to Bareilly to meet with senior law enforcement officials and examine the ground situation. “Our objective was to engage with the DIG and ADG to understand the prevailing circumstances. We stand for peace and do not endorse any form of hatred,” he stated.
Criticising the government’s handling of the issue, Masood alleged discriminatory treatment against members of the Muslim community. “There appear to be two different legal standards at play, one for us, and another for others,” he remarked.
The recent disturbances in Bareilly were sparked on September 26, when a large gathering, many carrying ‘I Love Muhammad’ placards, assembled near a mosque. The protest followed the cancellation of a demonstration called by cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, head of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council. The gathering turned violent, leading to police intervention and a subsequent crackdown.
Khan was arrested the following day on charges of inciting unrest and is currently in judicial custody.
Masood drew comparisons between the police response in Bareilly and other recent incidents across Uttar Pradesh, alleging selective enforcement of law and order. He pointed to past episodes in Fatehpur and Muzaffarnagar, claiming inconsistent policing and a lack of accountability in cases where Muslims were victims.
“Whether it’s lathi charges or firing, the community has become a repeated target. This sends a clear message, there is unequal treatment under the law,” Masood said.
He further urged Muslim religious leaders and scholars to take a proactive role in discouraging protests within mosque premises, emphasizing that places of worship should not become platforms for political expression. “We must ensure that mosques remain dedicated to prayer. When worshippers are pulled into demonstrations, it plays into the BJP’s political narrative,” he added.
The incident has added to the growing tensions in Uttar Pradesh, as political and religious leaders continue to clash over the handling of communal issues and the role of law enforcement.
